Wes Montgomery

Wes Montgomery was one of the great jazz guitarists, a natural extension of Charlie Christian, whose appealing use of octaves became influential and his trademark. He achieved great commercial success during his last few years, only to die prematurely.

It had taken Wes a long time to become an overnight success. He started to teach himself guitar in 1943 (using his thumb rather than a pick) and toured with Lionel Hampton during 1948-1950; he can be heard on a few broadcasts from the period. But then Montgomery returned to Indianapolis, where he was in obscurity during much of the 1950s, working a day job and playing at clubs most nights. He recorded with his brothers vibraphonist Buddy and electric bassist Monk during 1957-1959 and made his first Riverside album (1959) in a trio with organist Melvin Rhyne. In 1960 the release of his album The Incredible Jazz Guitar of Wes Montgomery made him famous in the jazz world. Other than a brief time playing with the John Coltrane Sextet (which also included Eric Dolphy) later in the year, Wes would be a leader for the rest of his life.

Montgomery's recordings can be easily divided into three periods. His Riverside dates (1959-1963) are his most spontaneous jazz outings, small-group sessions with such sidemen as Tommy Flanagan, James Clay, Victor Feldman, Hank Jones, Johnny Griffin, and Mel Rhyne. The one exception was the ironically titled Fusion!, a ballad date with a string section. All of the Riverside recordings have been reissued in a massive 12-CD box set. With the collapse of Riverside, Montgomery moved over to Verve, where during 1964-1966 he recorded an interesting series of mostly orchestral dates with arranger Don Sebesky and producer Creed Taylor. These records were generally a good balance between jazz and accessibility, even if the best performances were small-group outings with either the Wynton Kelly Trio or Jimmy Smith.

In 1967 Wes signed with Creed Taylor at A&M and during 1967-1968 he recorded three best-selling albums that found him merely stating simple pop melodies while backed by strings and woodwinds. His jazz fans were upset, but Montgomery's albums were played on AM radio during the period. He helped introduce listeners to jazz, and his live performances were as freewheeling as his earlier Riverside dates. Unfortunately at the height of his success, he died of a heart attack. However, Montgomery's influence is still felt on many young guitarists. ~ Scott Yanow, Rovi

Considered by some to be one of the world's greatest guitarist to ever play guitar. The sounds that he helped to bring about, are still being played even today , his contributions to the jazz world of music are being felt even now, a true pioneer in the field of playing , jazz guitar. A talent that comes along once in a lifetime, his music stands thru the test of time, being enjoyed even now, by the millions of fans of this great man's music, an immensely talented gentleman

Wes started playing the guitar at the age of 19. He learned by imitating Charlie Christian and got his first gigs by imitating him. Wes said one of his keys to success is he knew every chord and all of its inversions. Wow

A great player with a unique approach and a style all his own. Most think of his octave-runs though there is much more to his playing than just that and his thumb. His technique of playing with his thumb gave his tone a warmth that is so pleasing. Love this man's playing. Wish I had one of his signature Gibson's too!

I used to listen to him on a small FM station in Lansing,Illinois in the late 60's. i had this new am/fm radio and found the station. They played a lot of his guitar music.

1 year ago

riicr48

Not sure how I ever discovered Wes Montgomery but one day I heard the song bumpin I had to go buy this album, when I play the album, I could not believe how great this guitarist wss

1 year ago

jsprag8054

The whole family continues to be musical. I have the pleasure of knowing and playing with his nephew Phil Ragland, a fabulous bass player.

1 year ago

rickp733

Hal, I always assumed it was the other way around. I had one Gabor Szabo album on 4-track tape and played it to death back in high school (1967ish), but at the same time was listening to my Dad's Wes Montgomery albums. Given that Charlie Christian invented this way of playing (def. NOT Django-esque), my guess would be that Szabo was influenced by Wes. It'd be nice to know -- I didn't find anything after a quick Internet search...

I may not be popular for saying this, but surely somewhere along the line Wes Montgomery must have heard Gábor Szabó (March 8, 1936 - February 26, 1982). Listening to Gabor, I think to myself that Wes sounds just like him...

A true legend before his time....He played with his thumb then; what people are still unable to do without a pick today!!!!!Before his time, why he left so soon...Play on Wes With Miles and the Count and the crew!